Our very special day

Goodness... it has been a month since our very special day. It has been a hard for me to write this post. Not because it is secret or too precious to share, but because I've had a hard time formulating my feeling of that day into words. It was all I hoped and dreamed it would be.

Friday, October 16 is a day we will never forget.

We got up bright and early. I walked into Cal's room and instantly felt warmth and inner peace... but at the same time it felt busy with excitement. I turned on the light and walked over to Cal's crib. He was smiling, almost giggling as his eyes quickly glanced around the room. He could feel it too. I had a strong impression that this day would be spent with many loved ones on both sides of the veil. They were here to celebrate our very special day with us and it touched my heart deeply.

Patrick came in soon after with Cal’s bottle and began to feed him. I sure love my boys.

My heart took a picture.

At 8am, dressed up in our best clothes, we got in the car and headed to the court house.

We arrived just after 8:15am and made our way up to the 4th floor. Calan fell asleep and was resting peacefully in his car-seat. This would be a very long day for our little man and we were thankful for every moment of sleep he could get.

Our case worker and lawyer were there and we began going over paper work and such. But then our family began to arrive. It was like Christmas morning! Each time the elevator doors opened another wave of love ones joined us. Soon the room was full and the excitement was electric! Cal woke up and was all smiles. Our day was finally here!

We were called into the court room. Our family was seated behind us and Patrick, Cal and I sat at the defendants table with our case worker and lawyer.

The judge entered the room and we were asked to rise. Patrick and I were asked to raise our right hand and swear to tell the truth. I could already feel tears swelling up in my eyes, but did my best to keep control.

Cal was sitting on Patrick’s lap and was looking all around. I know it sounds crazy, but I felt like he knew what was going on and his little grin let us know he was as excited as we were.

Our case worker took the stand and was questioned by our lawyer… such as, did we meet all the requirements by the state… did the agency find it in Calan’s best interest for us to be his parents. Each time she answered yes.

Next it was our turn. We were allowed to stay seated where we were. I was questioned first. He asked me about 15 questions. They started simple… stating my name, birthday, our wedding date, Cal’s birthday, etc. But then it got difficult to answer because of the emotion I was feeling. “Do you understand that by adopting this child you are making a legally binding promise to provide all the rights and privileges that your own children would enjoy, as if the child had been born to you?” “Yes.” I answered through my tears. At that moment I looked down at Cal sitting on Patrick’s lap and he was staring at me with the biggest, sweetest smile on his face.

The final question was, “Could you please share with the court your feelings regarding this adoption?” It was difficult to speak, but I expressed our love towards our little boy and our birth-mother. She gave us the greatest gift. It is the greatest sacrifice a person can give.

Patrick was asked the same questions and his answers were so tender. When asked to share his feelings about adoption he said that he could not wait to teach Cal to ride a bike, and to fly a kite. He also expressed our love to our birth-mother. It was an emotional, incredible experience.

The judge said a few words, pounded his gavel, and that was it. Calan David was absolutely, positively and legally ours. Family ran up to give hugs. The judge even took the time for us to take pictures with him.

Calan was now legally ours, but our wonderful day would only get better.

We finished up at the court house, I fed our little guy and we headed up to Timpanogos Temple. We had some extra time so we drove slow as Cal slept. It gave us a chance to soak in the joy of what had just happened and what we were about to do. It was just the 3 of us, and it was very sweet.

It was time. We gathered our things and as a family we entered the Temple. We were there to be sealed together as a family, forever.

It is only on special occasions, such as this, that children are allowed in the Temple. We were led to the child care area. They would get Cal ready and take care of him until it was time.

In the Temple we dress in white. Patrick and I changed into our white clothes. We were led into the sealing room, where family and friends where waiting for us. It was the same room that we were married in, and so beautiful. Soon Cal was brought in to us. He too was dressed in white. He looks absolutely angelic. The Spirit was so strong, I could not keep back the tears.

I am so thankful for the priesthood. I am thankful for Temples and the power that is there to be sealed together forever. It is hard to explain the feeling we had there, but it was a moment we will never forget. It was precious beyond words. Calan was ours forever.

We came home and still had one more amazing experience. Patrick was able to give Calan a baby blessing. He held Cal and was surrounded by our fathers, brothers and brother in laws- all

worthy Priesthood holders. Again, the Spirit was very strong, very sweet.

We are so thankful to family and friends who made the sacrifice to join us on our special day.

It was a perfect day.

It was a dream.

It will be a day we will cherish forever and never forget.